Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is consolidating his political autonomy by forming a new party, signalling a move to establish an independent base of power. The development marks a significant step for Faye, who came to office in 2024 as a candidate backed by opposition leader Ousmane Sonko's Pastef party, raising questions about the two figures' political relationship going forward. The move is being closely watched as an indicator of whether Faye intends to govern on his own terms ahead of future electoral contests in West Africa's most stable democracy.